Grill Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about discovering new things in familiar areas. I found myself visiting my family in northern Michigan this week. It is an area I know all too well as it was where I spent all of my childhood. I decided to make a quick stop at a local bakery for a piece [...]

Green Bean Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

It was a cold and long winter. I’m now ready to explore the fresher side of life. I’m planning to be spending my Saturday’s this summer participating in a work-and-pick program. I dedicate two hours each week digging in the dirt and tending to a community garden. In exchange for my sweat and tears, I [...]

Sautéed Swiss Chard

After my dismal first attempt at growing a tray of Swiss Chard for my Sustainable Agriculture class, I’ve been paying much closer attention to the second round of plantings. It’s been fascinating to watch the little sprouts emerge from the nutrient rich soil. They really start to look like miniature versions of the prehistoric-like leaves [...]

Sweet Sun-Dried Sweet Tomato Corn Bread

The magic of discovery was in full bloom when I swung by a local farmers market this past weekend. I’m no stranger to the deliciousness of sun-dried tomatoes, but I’ve never seen farm fresh cherry tomatoes in this form before. They were lovely tiny nuggets that were full of sweetness with every bite. I’m almost [...]

3 Fantastic Farmers at the Pittsburgh Public Market

This Labor Day weekend marked the opening of a new public market in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District. It is a neighborhood that is known for a diverse mix of ethnic flavors and locally grown ingredients. The new venue is sure to be well woven into the cultural fabric for years to come. Nearly 7-years in [...]

Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Summer is a time for sharing the excesses of nature’s bounty among friends. Recently, my friend Loie asked if I was interested in some fresh rhubarb given to her by a neighbor kid. While I’ve never used the celery-like ingredient in cooking, I saw the gift would be a good excuse to be adventurous. It [...]

Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather or if my taste buds are changing with age. But I’m finding myself leaning toward more seasonal and cleaner flavors. I’m also starting to incorporate new ways to make my recipes easier without crossing into the “semi-homemade” world of cooking. Roasting vegetables is a common practice in [...]

Grilled Asparagus with Crumbled Feta

Late last summer I discovered a farmer’s market that is along my route home from work. Sometimes I would even stop by before heading home even if I didn’t need anything just to see the bounty of the local harvest first hand. It actually became pretty therapeutic and a great way to unwind after the [...]

Roasted Maple Dijon Brussel Sprouts

My favorite way to cook brussel sprouts is by roasting them. I love how the edges get crispy from the intense heat and they seem to take on a hint of sweetness. Many sprout recipes usually incorporate some sort of meat like bacon or prosciutto. While they are tasty, I wanted to do something a [...]

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

I love corn on the cob and this is the time to take advantage of the juicy yellowy corn.  So the other day I decided to stop by my local farmer’s market to select corn that was harvested locally at the peak of freshness.  There’s something so refreshing about being able to ask a vendor [...]

Next Page »